Exploring Technology Study Guide PDF

## Exploring Technology - Study Guide **A. Computer Literacy** Computer literacy is the ability to use a computer or other technology properly. It can be a very important skill for the workplace. It is valuable to know computer literacy since it can be helpful for you to efficiently use the compu...

## Exploring Technology - Study Guide **A. Computer Literacy** Computer literacy is the ability to use a computer or other technology properly. It can be a very important skill for the workplace. It is valuable to know computer literacy since it can be helpful for you to efficiently use the computer. There are many skills that you must learn to master computer literacy fully. There are things like shortcuts using the CTRL-C and CTRL-V. There are also other things like renaming a file or saving it to a specific folder. A lot of jobs require computer literacy, as computers are very important in many jobs. Businesses need people who can efficiently work with a computer and other technology. **B. Evolving Technologies** Evolving technologies are the technologies that are worked on to become better and better. Many technologies are new or old, that are studied and modified to become better. Some examples of these can be AR(Augmented Reality), VR(Virtual Reality), and AI(Artificial Intelligence). - **AR** also known as augmented reality, is where the virtual world is brought to you. For example, if you want to see what a shoe looks like on your table, you can use AR software to see it. Another example is the game Pokemon Go, where you must go outside and catch Pokemon, and using your phone, you can see the Pokemon in your environment. This is important for businesses, as they can have 3D AR models of the product for buyers to view. - **VR** is when you are brought into the virtual world. Usually, VR requires a headset, so you can look around and see things in the virtual world. Apple has created the Apple Vision Pro, a headset that takes you to the virtual world or can show things in your environment. Another example is Google Maps, as you can remotely view a spot in the world, without having to be there. VR can be important for businesses, as they can show the insides of houses to buyers or even show tourist attractions before people go there. - **AI**, also known as Artificial intelligence, is the computer learning to perform tasks that require human intelligence. AI is used in many different software these days. AI is used in websites to help learning like Duolingo. AI is also used for design purposes like Canva. AI has become such an important part of our daily lives, that even Apple has developed Apple Intelligence, which is AI for the iPhone. **C. Basic Concepts in Hardware, Software, and Connectivity** - **Hardware** is the physical part of the computer. All things of the computer which are physical, are included in hardware. Some examples of hardware are monitors, keyboards, and speakers. Even the things inside the computer like microchips and hard drives are some examples of hardware. These things are important for people to interact with the computer. Businesses use these for daily work like printing out a document or typing up an essay. - **Software** is not like hardware, as it is not physical. Software is anything that tells hardware what to do, and how to do it. Software is like the brain of a computer, as it instructs the computer to do other actions. Some examples of software are editing software, video games, and web browsers. Software can be very important for businesses, especially the online ones. It can help manage or present data. Microsoft PowerPoint is a good example of software, as it is good for presentations. Microsoft Exel is also really good, as it is very easy to manage data with it. There is also software like Zoom, which is helpful for remote online meetings, as you can join from your computer. - **Connectivity** is the ability for computers to connect to other computers to share or receive data. Connectivity is vital for networks. Without connectivity, networks won't be possible. This is all very important, as businesses use these networks to communicate, share data, and do many other things. **D. Impacts on Society** There have been many technological impacts on society, which include the making of the telephone, allowing people to call from far away places, or the invention of the light bulb, granting better access to light. These impacts, have slowly evolved and have become better. Many things like electricity are necessary for us people to live. A lot of businesses look forward to making or selling a product, which will hopefully positively impact our society. There have also been negative impacts, like cell phones causing kids to get cyberbullied or become sleep-deprived, due to addiction. Businesses might make products that can either negatively or positively impact society. It is also based on how society uses this new technology. **E. Website Design** Website design is an important part of websites. Viewers would surely dislike a website with a bad and boring design. A website can be designed in many different ways. It can have various colors, fonts, and other cool things to make it better. If a business decides to use a website, they would have to design their website based on their brand and in a way that the buyers/viewers won't be uninterested. Website design can change a lot, as the first impression of the website can easily change the buyer's mind to keep on looking or leave. **F. File Management** File management is very important, as keeping your files disorganized can cause you to misplace a file and lose it. Managing your files is very easy, as you can create folders, and even name them. Keeping it organized can also help you find a specific file more efficiently. Businesses can manage their files better, stay organized, and always have them when needed. **G. Ergonomics** Ergonomics is the study of making the workplace more safe for the workers. It is mainly about technological advancements that make the workplace safer and help workers be more productive and efficient. Some examples of the effects of ergonomics are teaching people how to make more comfortable chairs to improve the worker's posture, or making the desk's height adjustable, which helps people of different heights, as looking up or down at a monitor can cause strain in the neck. **H. Pop-Up Blockers** Pop-up blockers are software tools that prevent pop- ups from opening. Pop-ups can appear on websites as advertisements, notifications, or in other forms. Pop-up blockers can be downloaded and installed as extensions. Using pop-up blockers is beneficial for businesses. Pop-ups can appear and make the website look unsafe, luring customers into clicking on dangerous links, which can make them dislike the website. This is why businesses should use pop-up blockers to keep their website looking clean and organized. **I. Networks** Networks are two or more linked computers, where data, photos, and other types of information can be shared. There are two types of data; LAN and WAN networks. - **LAN networks** are networks for a small area. An example of a LAN network would be Bluetooth. - **WAN networks** are bigger, and you can connect from far away. An example of this would be the internet, as everyone can be connected to it, from anywhere. - **VPN:** A VPN creates a private network throughout the internet, allowing a private connection for users to send or receive data. **J. Spam Filters** Spam Filtering was made to identify dangerous emails from attackers or marketers. Attacks try to clickbait you by offering things like anti-virus or services, which are designed to make you click on a link that downloads a virus/malicious software onto your computer. Spam filters check the email thoroughly, as they look for suspicious words, check the IP address it was sent from, and many other things. Spam filters are algorithms, that read the email, and if detected as a spam email, it will block it for the user. Businesses can use spam filters a lot. Many people would try and attack a business, so a spam filter would be perfect for blocking unwanted emails.